my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet!

RonMicjan · 5th June 2006, 04:52

Well I have used the setup for a whole week of diving in Cayman during Inner Space 06 and I have to say it worked out pretty darn good. The final setup works like this:
lean bailout has on its first stage, a HP hose and gauge, a LP inflator hose to plumb into my mixed gas bypass, a second stage reg (dive rite adjustable) for the other guy, and a short whip with the female parker connector on it that comes up about 4 inches and terminates.

deco stage has HP hose and gauge, LP inflator for drysuit or backup BC inflation, or backup dil flush gas (above 70fsw as I use ean50), a second stage reg for the other guy (oceanic adjustable), and the same short whip with the QD on it.

At the start of the dive, I connect the apeks reg that has a 18" hose and the male parker QD on it, into the deep mix, stow it with a short piece of surgical tubing to the valve of the stage. If I need to bailout, first I go Openloop/Dil flush for my sanity breaths, while deploying the P ported reg, close the loop, remove the DSV from the mask and plug in the OC reg, when time comes to switch gasses, I unplug the QD from the lean mix and connect to the deco mix. If I have to use another divers mix, then the mask comes off and I put on the spare. I did a bit of practicing switching the DSV with the OC reg and the mask stays clear of water as long as i keep my face somewhat pointed down, even if water gets in, its easy to purge out.

I was chatting with Kevin Gurr who is also using the draeger mask on his 'boris and he is keeping the reg attached to one of the side ports of the mask and it has gas available all the time, no slider shut off. His thinking is that if he passes out, then his mouth will relax on the mouthpeice extention and gas will be available from the OC reg or he may begin nose breathing and that will use the side reg. If that works it is more failsafe than my method, cause my system requires input from me to bailout, not always the best scenario. I may try fitting up the reg to a side port at some point, but now Im going to leave it.

Sure like the mask, I think it is easier to clear my ears using it, as well as it keeps water out of my sinuses. With a standard mask water tends to build up around my nose and it runs right into my sinus cavities, so after the dive I can lean over and a few ounces of water runs freely out my sinuses through my nose, I like not having that happen

the mask is also warmer and way more comfortable on my face, also leaves less mask marks as the seal is wider. I can also make myself understood much better, by letting go of the inner mouthpeice, saying what needs to be said, and recovering the MP.

Heading up to canada thursday for another week of playing on the wrecks in Nanaimo and Victoria. Its a divers life...

***caveseeker7*** · 5th June 2006, 07:21

Ron, I keep wondering if the sidemounted 2nd is a good idea.
What are your thoughts on CO2 buildup when using it?
OC AGAs route the gas differently have positive or semi-positive 2nds.
But the Dräger Rebreather version doesn't have either as I understand it.

Drmike · 5th June 2006, 08:47

I like to have a side 2nd stage in the mask for 3 reasons;

1) I can nose breathe (or close dsv and mouth breathe) for immediate sanity breath (rather than going open loop which might take a few breaths to get fresh gas)
2) When Ive bailed and am switching OC gas I can still breathe (nose breathe) off the side 2nd stage as Im fiddling around swapping regs in the main p connector.
3) Taking an 'air break' during deco is easier (assuming the side reg is plumbed into suitable gas) as I don't have to swap dsv for a 2nd stage - I just close dsv and breathe
With the sidemounted 2nd stage plumbed into same gas as dil its no different than having and ADV.
I think its maybe better to only use the side reg as a temp bail due to the increase dead space.

JonnyB · 5th June 2006, 08:53

Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike)

I like to have a side 2nd stage in the mask for 3 reasons;

1) I can nose breathe (or close dsv and mouth breathe) for immediate sanity breath (rather than going open loop which might take a few breaths to get fresh gas)
2) When Ive bailed and am switching OC gas I can still breathe (nose breathe) off the side 2nd stage as Im fiddling around swapping regs in the main p connector.
3) Taking an 'air break' during deco is easier (assuming the side reg is plumbed into suitable gas) as I don't have to swap dsv for a 2nd stage - I just close dsv and breathe
With the sidemounted 2nd stage plumbed into same gas as dil its no different than having and ADV.
I think its maybe better to only use the side reg as a temp bail due to the increase dead space.

So do you prefer the Nova mask over the m48?

/Jonny

Drmike · 5th June 2006, 09:19

Quote: (Originally Posted by JonnyB)

So do you prefer the Nova mask over the m48?

/Jonny

Hmm, not sure. I like them both.

The KM48 is definately better made and more robust. I dont trust the weak straps on the Nova much, but the Nova does have great field of vision.

Think I need to have some more hours on the Nova before I can say which I preffer - Got some new wrecks to explore this weekend so will have a better idea next week

JonnyB · 25th August 2006, 09:29

Whats the price for this on the Meg?

/Jonny

RonMicjan · 25th August 2006, 14:18

Hey Jonny
The list price of the mask is $1100 usd on the danshop.com website. the special DSV is being made up, Leon is making 50 of them but I dont have an ETA or price yet.

aknelson · 25th August 2006, 14:41

Quote: (Originally Posted by RonMicjan)

Hey Jonny
The list price of the mask is $1100 usd on the danshop.com website. the special DSV is being made up, Leon is making 50 of them but I dont have an ETA or price yet.

Well this seems the mask only.
I calculate including the TX100 about $1300-$1400 (NovaR+TX100+parts) I had to add another $210 for the Draeger loop-connector ($1550 total).
Aqualung quoted a higher price for the mask only.
Suggested source: Tecme and W+S Watersafety
As quoted earlier I love the setup with the same reasons mentioned below (dry,easy to go OC etc.).
I have heard from other NovaR users and they are pleased with this FFM as well.

Andreas

RonMicjan · 25th August 2006, 21:36

dont forget the parker face seal connectors add in another 260 : )

not a cheap conversion, but what in this game is cheap? air is free, its just the delivery system that gets spendy

5th June 2006, 04:52	#41 (permalink)
RonMicjan Cap Ron scourge of the NW Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cape Disapointment, The Graveyard of the Pacific Posts: 1,100	Re: my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet! Well I have used the setup for a whole week of diving in Cayman during Inner Space 06 and I have to say it worked out pretty darn good. The final setup works like this: lean bailout has on its first stage, a HP hose and gauge, a LP inflator hose to plumb into my mixed gas bypass, a second stage reg (dive rite adjustable) for the other guy, and a short whip with the female parker connector on it that comes up about 4 inches and terminates. deco stage has HP hose and gauge, LP inflator for drysuit or backup BC inflation, or backup dil flush gas (above 70fsw as I use ean50), a second stage reg for the other guy (oceanic adjustable), and the same short whip with the QD on it. At the start of the dive, I connect the apeks reg that has a 18" hose and the male parker QD on it, into the deep mix, stow it with a short piece of surgical tubing to the valve of the stage. If I need to bailout, first I go Openloop/Dil flush for my sanity breaths, while deploying the P ported reg, close the loop, remove the DSV from the mask and plug in the OC reg, when time comes to switch gasses, I unplug the QD from the lean mix and connect to the deco mix. If I have to use another divers mix, then the mask comes off and I put on the spare. I did a bit of practicing switching the DSV with the OC reg and the mask stays clear of water as long as i keep my face somewhat pointed down, even if water gets in, its easy to purge out. I was chatting with Kevin Gurr who is also using the draeger mask on his 'boris and he is keeping the reg attached to one of the side ports of the mask and it has gas available all the time, no slider shut off. His thinking is that if he passes out, then his mouth will relax on the mouthpeice extention and gas will be available from the OC reg or he may begin nose breathing and that will use the side reg. If that works it is more failsafe than my method, cause my system requires input from me to bailout, not always the best scenario. I may try fitting up the reg to a side port at some point, but now Im going to leave it. Sure like the mask, I think it is easier to clear my ears using it, as well as it keeps water out of my sinuses. With a standard mask water tends to build up around my nose and it runs right into my sinus cavities, so after the dive I can lean over and a few ounces of water runs freely out my sinuses through my nose, I like not having that happen the mask is also warmer and way more comfortable on my face, also leaves less mask marks as the seal is wider. I can also make myself understood much better, by letting go of the inner mouthpeice, saying what needs to be said, and recovering the MP. Heading up to canada thursday for another week of playing on the wrecks in Nanaimo and Victoria. Its a divers life... __________________ Marine rescue, towing and salvage. Interfering with natural selection since 1983. www.tmishop.com Diving bits etc. www.seatowpdx.com The Summer Job
(Offline)

5th June 2006, 07:21	#42 (permalink)
*caveseeker7* Who loves ya, baby Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Too far from Neverland Posts: 5,451	Re: my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet! Ron, I keep wondering if the sidemounted 2nd is a good idea. What are your thoughts on CO2 buildup when using it? OC AGAs route the gas differently have positive or semi-positive 2nds. But the Dräger Rebreather version doesn't have either as I understand it. __________________ Cheers Stefan "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.!"
(Offline)

5th June 2006, 08:47	#43 (permalink)
Drmike Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,322	Re: my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet! I like to have a side 2nd stage in the mask for 3 reasons; 1) I can nose breathe (or close dsv and mouth breathe) for immediate sanity breath (rather than going open loop which might take a few breaths to get fresh gas) 2) When Ive bailed and am switching OC gas I can still breathe (nose breathe) off the side 2nd stage as Im fiddling around swapping regs in the main p connector. 3) Taking an 'air break' during deco is easier (assuming the side reg is plumbed into suitable gas) as I don't have to swap dsv for a 2nd stage - I just close dsv and breathe With the sidemounted 2nd stage plumbed into same gas as dil its no different than having and ADV. I think its maybe better to only use the side reg as a temp bail due to the increase dead space. __________________ Cave diving is a sport Wreck diving is a sport Diving in general is a sport 'Rebreather diving' is not a sport its the delusional obsession with a highly dangerous and often inappropriate piece of equipment
(Offline)

5th June 2006, 08:53	#44 (permalink)
JonnyB Johnny The Hatch Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Titan Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweden (Stockholm)/Cyprus(Ayia Napa) Posts: 970	Re: my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet! Quote: (Originally Posted by Drmike) I like to have a side 2nd stage in the mask for 3 reasons; 1) I can nose breathe (or close dsv and mouth breathe) for immediate sanity breath (rather than going open loop which might take a few breaths to get fresh gas) 2) When Ive bailed and am switching OC gas I can still breathe (nose breathe) off the side 2nd stage as Im fiddling around swapping regs in the main p connector. 3) Taking an 'air break' during deco is easier (assuming the side reg is plumbed into suitable gas) as I don't have to swap dsv for a 2nd stage - I just close dsv and breathe With the sidemounted 2nd stage plumbed into same gas as dil its no different than having and ADV. I think its maybe better to only use the side reg as a temp bail due to the increase dead space. So do you prefer the Nova mask over the m48? /Jonny __________________ A quote from Crazyduck - In remembering our own Rob Davies. "Outbound flight 777 heavy you are cleared for flight Due west into that warm red Texas sunset You have angels on your wings and divers memories on your six." Rest In Peace http://www.divetekcyprus.com http://www.diveccr.com
(Offline)

5th June 2006, 09:19	#45 (permalink)
Drmike Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,322	Re: my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet! Quote: (Originally Posted by JonnyB) So do you prefer the Nova mask over the m48? /Jonny Hmm, not sure. I like them both. The KM48 is definately better made and more robust. I dont trust the weak straps on the Nova much, but the Nova does have great field of vision. Think I need to have some more hours on the Nova before I can say which I preffer - Got some new wrecks to explore this weekend so will have a better idea next week __________________ Cave diving is a sport Wreck diving is a sport Diving in general is a sport 'Rebreather diving' is not a sport its the delusional obsession with a highly dangerous and often inappropriate piece of equipment
(Offline)

25th August 2006, 09:29	#46 (permalink)
JonnyB Johnny The Hatch Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Titan Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Other CCR Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweden (Stockholm)/Cyprus(Ayia Napa) Posts: 970	Re: my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet! Whats the price for this on the Meg? /Jonny __________________ A quote from Crazyduck - In remembering our own Rob Davies. "Outbound flight 777 heavy you are cleared for flight Due west into that warm red Texas sunset You have angels on your wings and divers memories on your six." Rest In Peace http://www.divetekcyprus.com http://www.diveccr.com
(Offline)

25th August 2006, 14:18	#47 (permalink)
RonMicjan Cap Ron scourge of the NW Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cape Disapointment, The Graveyard of the Pacific Posts: 1,100	Re: my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet! Hey Jonny The list price of the mask is $1100 usd on the danshop.com website. the special DSV is being made up, Leon is making 50 of them but I dont have an ETA or price yet. __________________ Marine rescue, towing and salvage. Interfering with natural selection since 1983. www.tmishop.com Diving bits etc. www.seatowpdx.com The Summer Job
(Offline)

25th August 2006, 14:41	#48 (permalink)
aknelson New Member Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Dolphin Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 78	Re: my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet! Quote: (Originally Posted by RonMicjan) Hey Jonny The list price of the mask is $1100 usd on the danshop.com website. the special DSV is being made up, Leon is making 50 of them but I dont have an ETA or price yet. Well this seems the mask only. I calculate including the TX100 about $1300-$1400 (NovaR+TX100+parts) I had to add another $210 for the Draeger loop-connector ($1550 total). Aqualung quoted a higher price for the mask only. Suggested source: Tecme and W+S Watersafety As quoted earlier I love the setup with the same reasons mentioned below (dry,easy to go OC etc.). I have heard from other NovaR users and they are pleased with this FFM as well. Andreas
(Offline)

25th August 2006, 21:36	#49 (permalink)
RonMicjan Cap Ron scourge of the NW Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cape Disapointment, The Graveyard of the Pacific Posts: 1,100	Re: my Meg and Draeger FFM, sweet! dont forget the parker face seal connectors add in another 260 : ) not a cheap conversion, but what in this game is cheap? air is free, its just the delivery system that gets spendy __________________ Marine rescue, towing and salvage. Interfering with natural selection since 1983. www.tmishop.com Diving bits etc. www.seatowpdx.com The Summer Job
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode